Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: How to choose the best smartphone? – Frandroid

The comparison may seem absurd, but these are two of the most impressive smartphones of their generation. And if their design changes completely, we assure you that the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 have more in common than we can imagine. We compared them to help you make the best possible choice.

Source: Frandroid

Samsung has now established itself very well in the folding smartphone market (in which it remains a leader) and does not neglect its range of traditional smartphones (in which it also remains a leader).

It makes sense that a user who wants to upgrade their equipment asks themselves the question: Shouldn’t I go for a folding smartphone that looks more futuristic than the more conventional Galaxy S23 Ultra?

Especially since Samsung is doing nothing to dispel the fog: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is sold from 1,199 euros… just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

We’re diving back into the review of our two South Korean flagships and putting things back together so you can choose the smartphone that suits you best between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

The technical data sheets of the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Z Flip 5

Most modern design

If you haven’t followed the case yet, we’ll summarize it as follows: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note. It will be discontinued in 2021, making it the most advanced model in the S range to take the torch.

Consequently, and this is the first big difference between our two challengers, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a giant! Weighing in at 234 grams and measuring 6.8 inches diagonally, it is still one of the most gigantic smartphones on the market today.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 // Source: Brice Zerouk – Frandroid

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 places more emphasis on its lightness and compactness. It weighs just 187 grams and fits easily into a bag thanks to its foldable design (it’s still 15mm thick when folded). And that’s the point of a foldable smartphone: you benefit from a powerful, state-of-the-art device in an easy-to-carry and original format.

Another big aesthetic difference (yes, yes, we assure you): the back of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is matte, while that of the Z Flip 5 is glossy (unless you buy it in the corresponding version on the official Samsung website website). In addition to the look and feel, this difference also plays a role in the smartphone’s sensitivity to fingerprints and other smudges.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 // Source: Brice Zerouk – Frandroid

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and its stylus. // Source: Frandroid

Regardless, both phones are at the top when it comes to durability. Both feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass to prevent scratches and are certified IP68 and IPX8 respectively for resistance to accidental submersion in water (soft, maximum 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters).

Keep in mind that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is essentially more fragile. Yes, the hinge remains a delicate mechanical part and falls could be fatal.

Nevertheless, given two completely different products, design remains a question of taste and preference. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is gigantic and solid, while the Z Flip 5 offers something more refined and delicate.

State-of-the-art screens

So maybe the screen of the two competitors can decide between them? Here too, the philosophy underlying each product is so different that it cannot be taken for granted.

On the S23 Ultra side, as already mentioned, we get a 6.8-inch Dynamic Amoled QHD panel. Thanks to its adaptive frequency of 1 to 120 Hz, it is extremely bright and fast, offering an impressive reading interface that allows you to make the most of all the content. In addition, our probes allow us to confirm that the colors are of rare generosity, even if they differ slightly from our expectations (Delta E greater than 3).

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 // Source: Brice Zerouk – Frandroid

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra // Source: Frandroid

The Z Flip 5 is no exception with its 6.7-inch main screen. If the size on paper is not very different, you need to take into account the aspect ratio: here we are dealing with a much slimmer model (22:9). This makes it easier to use with one hand – although it has to be said that operating the S23 Ultra with one hand is a challenge.

We also have to give the Galaxy Z Flip 5 credit for the presence of a second screen on the front, which is a real plus for the user experience. The ability to display widgets but also benefit from feedback when recording a video, for example, is one of the best assets of this range.

To the question: Is the screen of the Galaxy S23 Ultra better than that of the Z Flip 5, we give you another answer from Normand. Technically speaking, the S23 Ultra’s screen is slightly better in terms of resolution (QHD+ vs. FHD+) and brightness. Now the interest of the Z Flip 5 lies elsewhere. For example, through one-handed operation or by using the Flex mode for easy photography. As you have probably understood, it is a bit difficult to decide between the two mobile phones on this point.

Software: One UI 5.1 responsible

You see it coming: it can be difficult to give good points to one rather than the other when you know that both smartphones have the same version of One UI. However, it goes without saying that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 basically has some software features that are worth checking out.

In fact, thanks to its beautiful 3.4-inch front screen (compared to 1.7 inches on the previous model), it can now display more useful applications, including more generous widgets. For example, it is possible to easily track your journey on Google Maps without ever having to open your Z Flip 5. Practical!

We also still appreciate the Flex Mode, which allows you to place the smartphone on a surface at a 90° angle, optionally split the screen in two for multitasking, or use it as a tripod to stabilize a photo or video use. The Z Flip 5 makes taking selfies much easier, especially in groups, as Samsung repeatedly shows us in its (numerous) advertising campaigns.

However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra also offers some special features. The presence of the S Pen stylus directly in the body of the phone allows you to take notes on the fly but also configure a series of shortcuts (taking a screenshot, translating, etc.).

We could sum it up like this: As the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note, the S23 Ultra is more focused on productivity. It has to be said that such a huge screen is almost inviting! In return, the Z Flip 5 is designed to put practical features within reach, without ever deviating from the compactness and lightness that have made its reputation.

Performance: same?

What if we told you it was hard to choose between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip 5, would you blame us? Because as it turns out, both smartphones have Qualcomm’s latest chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, engraved in 4 nm.

Genshin Impact on the external screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 // Source: Frandroid

Despite everything, our usual benchmarks show that the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a good lead, especially when it comes to the performance of its GPU. The format of the large smartphone also allows it to better cope with the increase in temperature that comes with the use of demanding applications such as video games. A point that really bothered us in our test of the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

We could just as well write it: The foldable smartphone, although very efficient and suitable for any task, is not suitable for gaming. In terms of pure versatility, the Galaxy S23 Ultra performs well. a lot better

Photo: We have a winner!

Finally a chapter for which a candidate clearly prevails! We don’t want to keep the tension going any longer: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is not only the best of the two, it’s also one of the best overall.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 // Source: Brice Zerouk – Frandroid

Long review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. // Source: Frandroid – Robin Wycke

There are several reasons for this: its sensors are newer, more numerous and of better quality than those – modest and outdated – of the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:

• Ultra wide angle lens, 12 Mpx sensor, autofocus, pixel size 1.4 μm, FOV 120°, F/2.2;
• Wide angle lens (main sensor), 200 Mpx, pixel size 0.6 μm (ie 2.4 μm in 12 megapixels), FOV 85˚, F/1.7, optical stabilization;
• X3 telephoto lens, 10 Mpx, pixel size 1.12 μm, FOV: 11°, f/4.9, optical stabilization;
• X10 telephoto lens, 10 MP, pixel size 1.12 μm, field of view: 36˚, f/2.4, optical stabilization;
• Selfie, 12 Mpx, dual photodiode, autofocus, pixel size: 1.12 μm, field of view: 80˚, f/2.2.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5:

• Wide angle lens, 12 Mpx sensor, autofocus, pixel size 1.8 µm, FOV 85°, F/1.8;
• Ultra wide angle lens, 12 Mpx sensor, pixel size 1.4 µm, FOV 123°, F/2.2;
• Selfie, 10 Mpx sensor, pixel size 1.22 µm, FOV 85°, F/2.2.

The most noticeable thing is of course the lack of a telephoto lens on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Even if there is a digital zoom, it is nowhere near the sharpness of the real special lenses on the S23 Ultra. In any case, the S23 Ultra’s 10x optical zoom surpasses anything we’ve seen in this range before.

The largest smartphone also features a 200MP wide-angle lens that allows you to deliver stunning images in low light using the magic of pixel binning. The Z Flip 5 of course fights back, but it’s not in the same league at all.

Advantages and versatility that can obviously be found in the video mode of the two smartphones. Without comparison, the S23 Ultra is actually the best in its category.

Autonomy: David versus Goliath

We are sure you can guess who will emerge victorious from this test. It’s pretty logical: since the S23 Ultra is larger, it has a higher capacity battery than the Z Flip 5 (which also struggles with its foldable design, which complicates everything).

So in the first we have a 5000 mAh battery, in the second only 3700 mAh. To put it more understandably, we felt in our test that the Galaxy S23 Ultra was, and I quote, “unbreakable.” The reason ? Incredible autonomy, allowing you to last up to three days without coming into contact with a charger!

The Galaxy Z Flip 5, on the other hand, barely lasts a day. Mind you, enough for the majority of people. But if you want the best in autonomy, now you know where to turn.

Additionally, the S23 Ultra excels again when it comes to charging as it accepts 45W chargers. The Z Flip 5 reaches a maximum power of 25W.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, which one should you choose?

You will have noticed: deciding between the two Samsung flagships is not easy because their philosophy is different. However, some key points allow differentiation and it is precisely at these points that you have to question your possible uses in order to find out which model is most relevant for you.

The big advantage of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is that it’s good at everything. In really everything. Its performance is insane and at the same time guarantees monstrous autonomy. In addition, the screen has the best possible resolution while demonstrating a versatility that is rarely achieved in photos and videos. Finally, power users will be happy to find the S Pen in the case to maximize their productivity.

For its part, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is more attractive. Small, light, even original, in terms of performance it does not stand out at all. It’s also quite comfortable in photos, but doesn’t perform well in this category due to its outdated and low-resolution sensors. Finally, the darker side of the picture perhaps lies even more in the chapter of autonomy; The battery lasts a maximum of one day.

So two radically opposing proposals. However, don’t forget to factor grip feel into your considerations. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is truly a gigantic smartphone that may be difficult for small hands to handle. Before you make your choice, consider going to the store to form your own opinion.